Better When Shared

Erica and I go way back. I met her in high school and immediately knew that she and I were destined to be friends. {We both loved the same TV show and laughed at ridiculous things. How else do you judge good friend material when you're 16?}

We had countless sleepovers, became fixtures at each other's family gatherings, and logged an embarrassing amount of hours on the phone and at the mall. Our friendship withstood long distance, ups and downs, and even attending rival colleges {Gasp!}.


Nole & Gator - Circa 2005

 Gator(s) and Nole(s) - Circa 2010

We commisserated over the stress of first "real" jobs, and rejoiced over exciting events like engagements and wedding plans. We stood on the altar near one another as we said our "I do's" to our respective college sweethearts.

Our husbands know that when we are in a mood to talk {which is always... but we do limit the number of times per week that we indulge since, you know, we have to eat, and sleep and work and all}, they should probably prepare for several hours of uninterrupted chatter. During that time, we almost never talk about what we called each other to talk about. Those are the best kinds of conversation, if you ask me.

We don't spend hours at the mall anymore {bummer}, and our topics of conversation have changed from boys and roadtrips to husbands and mortgages. We do, however, still sit around and laugh about ridiculous things. That, I hope, will never change.

Fabulous pictures taken by my very talented friend at WP inks!

One of the best things about getting together for a meal with a best friend is that calories don't count and worries are kept at bay. It's a time for special treats and treasured moments. As the years pass and we share our cherished girl time with new members to our exclusive club {Come December we'll need to add a "higher" chair to the table for Erica's new addition! Auntie D better start learning how to make some baby food!}, I know we'll look back on those times with fond memories and look forward to the times yet to come.  Nothing could be sweeter.

Definitely as good as it looks!

Erica and I shared my Homemade Bagels and these Chocolate and Cheese Danish during our last brunch get together. They are absolutely delicious... but the company was what made them just perfect. :)

What are you favorite dishes to share with dear friends?

Chocolate & Cheese Danish - To Be Shared by Best Friends!
Recipe from Giada at Home

You'll Need:

• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 2 (9-inch-square) sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten

1. Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. Make filling: In a small bowl, mix together the cheeses, egg yolk, flour, sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips. Set aside.

3. Cut each sheet of pastry into 4 equal-sized squares. Put 4 pastry squares on each prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 2 to 3 teaspoons of the filling into the center of each piece of pastry. Fold 1 corner of the pastry diagonally over the filling to within 1-inch of the opposite corner. Using a pastry brush, brush the folded-over section lightly with the beaten egg. Fold the opposite corner over the egg-brushed pastry to form an open-ended Danish.

4. Brush the pastry with beaten egg and bake until puffed and golden, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before serving.

*Stop by Erica's blog, (P)ink Locale, to check out some more of her amazing photography & calligraphy skills!